Bronx homeless families unhappy with city's shelter system

Homeless families tried to send a message to the city Wednesday afternoon with a demonstration in front of the city's only Emergency Assistance Unit.

The protest was to voice their dissatisfaction with the city's homeless services, specifically, that the city is not doing enough. The Emergency Assistance Unit (EAU) is a building that places homeless families in shelters or emergency housing. Protesters say these shelters are overcrowded, unsanitary and need to be changed.

Supreme Court Judge Helen Freedman appointed a special panel one year ago to evaluate the shelter system and make suggestions to help enforce laws protecting New York City's homeless. With a report expected soon, the advocacy group "Picture the Homeless" is also submitting their own report to put pressure on the judge to make changes. Among several recommendations for improvements, the "Picture the Homeless" report suggests opening one EAU in every borough to alleviate problems in the Bronx.

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeless Services says the city is doing everything it can to improve the condition of the homeless.